About Vietnam

Lying on the east of Indochina Peninsula with a distance of 1650 km (1000 miles) from south to north, Vietnam is one of the most romantic and naturally beautiful destinations in the world. The diverse natural environment, geography, history, and culture have created a great potential for the tourism industry.

Fifty four ethnic groups makes a united community. Vietnam is a tropical country with diverse climate. Tourists can enjoy 4 distinct seasons in the north or a sunny and rainy season in the south. Vietnam’s environment includes long coastlines, forests, and mountainous areas with beautiful caves. As well, Vietnam has a history and culture of ancient architecture, religions and cults, and traditional festivals.

Some great philosophies and religions have shaped the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Vietnam natural resources offers unspoiled landscapes, virgin beaches, soaring hills and mountains, peaceful rivers and springs. On the other hand, its long history and distinctive culture serve as additional magnets for first-time and returning visitors alike.

Vietnam is a country with a past as rich as the soil in the blazing green deltas. This past reads like a romantic legend, full of heroic struggles and astounding victories whereby this small country retained its culture, absorbing and adapting the strengths of its foes but never losing its traditions or sense of history. In Vietnam, traditions carry real meaning. Ancient heroes are still venerated at colorful temple festivals, people honor their ancestors, and village elders teach values of hard work, hospitality, and filial loyalty. Most of ethnic groups live in remote areas and follow age-old customs, therefore Vietnam has a great chance to offer unparalleled cultural exploration.

Over the past few years, much energy has been expended in promoting the previously war-torn Vietnam as a desirable destination for travelers, especially those drawn toward “eco-tourism.” With its majestic mountains, fertile jungles, and ancient cities, Vietnam holds a special allure for travelers seeking to catch a glimpse of the practices and lifestyles of a resilient Eastern culture.

As well as fine weather, there is spectacular natural scenery and historic sites. Vietnam’s greatest resource is its friendly, welcoming people. Long closed to the outside world, Vietnam retains a charming innocence that most tourist regions lack. Yet in the decade since the country opened its doors to visitors, the country has built world-class hotels and tourism facilities. with international standards and traditional Vietnamese hospitality. Vietnam is ready to take you on an unforgettable adventure.

On the way of integration, Vietnam has instantly received new values from the outside. On the other hand, the preservation of national characteristics is an unneglectable task. People come to Vietnam not only for a remembrance of the past, but for an ideal tourist spot.

Weather

Vietnam is affected by the monsoon, that’s why the average temperature is lower than the other countries which are located in the same longitude in Asian. In comparing with these countries, the temperature in winter is colder and in summer is less hotter in Vietnam.
Under influence of monsoon, and further because of the complicated topography, the climate in Vietnam always changes in one year, between the years, or between the areas from North to South and from low to high). The climate in Vietnam is also under disadvantage of weather, such as typhoons (advantage there are 6-10 storms and tropical low atmosphere in year), floods and droughts are threaten the life and the agriculture of Vietnam.)

The temperature in Vietnam is high. The annual average temperatures range from 22 o C to 27 o C. However, the average temperature is different in every place. In Hanoi the average temperature is 23 o C, in Ho Chi Minh City 26 o C and 25 o C in Hue. Some places like Dalat and Sapa have a maximum temperature of 20 o C in the summer.

Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours is 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100 kcal/cm 2 in a year.

The monsoon climate also influences to the changes of the tropical humidity. In general, in Vietnam there are two seasons, a hot and rainy season (from May to October), and a cold season (from November to April the next). However the four distinct seasons are most evident in the Northern provinces (from Hai Van Pass toward to the north): Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Currency

The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the dong (abbreviated “d” or VND) which is used uniformly throughout the country. Bank notes in domination of are presently in circulation.
Traveller’s cheques and credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) are exchanged for Vietnamese dong in banks. Cards can be used in travel agencies, hotels, and major restaurants. US currency is exchanged for Vietnamese dong and treasury notes in banks, exchange bureaus, hotels, and jewellery shops. The exchange rate always changes. When leaving the country, remaining Vietnamese currency can be exchanged for US dollars at the exchange bureau at the airport.